Mandarin Learning Resources

Ben Pearce recently returned to the UK after four years living and working in Haining. He has reached an excellent standard of Mandarin and is now teaching the language to students of various ages in London. In this blog, he shares some of his top tips to help you get started with learning Mandarin.

Language Immersion Homestay Programme

Join our Language Immersion Homestay Program and learn Chinese in Beijing or Shanghai whilst experiencing life as a local. Stay in your chosen city for anything between one to six months, gaining unique exposure to Chinese culture and language.

During the programme, you will learn Chinese, provide English tutoring sessions and take part in various cultural events with your host family and other programme participants.

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Programme Highlights

As a participant in our Chinese Language Immersion Homestay Programme, you will live with a Chinese family and experience their way of life. Outside of this, you’ll learn Chinese, explore Beijing or Shanghai and meet likeminded people from around the world.

Pairing with Family

We pair families and candidates based on common interests and lifestyles. We will send you a family profile and offer you the chance to speak to them before deciding. If you’re not happy with our selection, we’ll suggest another. All families have been carefully vetted, have hosted foreign guests before and offer a good standard of living.

Chinese Classes

The program includes 5 hours worth of group Chinese classes per week for the duration of your stay. You will be put into a group according to your language level, whether that’s beginner, intermediate or advanced. Between classes, you’ll have the chance to practice what you’ve learnt with your host family and during cultural events.

Cultural Activities

You will have the chance to join several cultural immersion events per week. These have been designed to give you an authentic insight into various aspects of Chinese culture, whilst meeting other participants and practising your Chinese. All events are optional, and you will be informed of them in advance.

Food & Accommodation

All host families provide private room accommodation equipped with air conditioning, a desk and a wardrobe to make you feel at home. Some families can also offer guests a private bathroom. Your hosts will provide three homecooked meals per day. You’ll have the chance to indicate dietary requirements prior to placement.

24/7 Support

Upon arrival in Beijing, you will meet a local representative from our partner company, who is responsible for making sure you’re safe, well and happy throughout your stay. They will be available 24/7 to help with problems, and our UK based team are on hand to help with any practical issues and give cultural and lesson planning support.

Orientation Day

We encourage all homestay participants to attend our day-long Orientation Day in London a few weeks before departure. Upon arrival in your host city, a repesentative from our partner organisation with meet you and give a short introduction to life in Beijing or Shanghai, a transport and SIM card, and introduce you to your family.

Destinations

Find out more…

The Homestay

The Homestay part of the Programme is run in conjunction with an established local cultural exchange provider that specialises in sourcing trustworthy families willing to host foreign guests. A representative from this organisation will meet you at the airport to give you an induction and provide support throughout your stay.

All host families have welcomed foreigners into their home before, and are keen to learn about your culture and teach you about theirs. Besides attending Chinese classes and events, you’ll get to explore the city with your hosts. You will have the chance to speak to a family before agreeing to stay with them.

Chinese Classes

Our Chinese Language Immersion Homestay includes 5 hours worth of Mandarin lessons per week at a local language school. You will be put into groups with other participants according to your language level and taught according to your aims. Outside of classes, you will be expected to put what you’ve learnt into practice, helping you progress at a quicker rate.

Upon arrival in your host city, our local representative will help you organise your class schedule and inform your host family. Classes will begin during the first week as soon as you are ready, allowing you to make the most of your time in China.

Part-time Tutoring

You will have the chance to tutor your host family’s child in English in exchange for a small monthly allowance. The aim and content of the sessions differ from family to family, but you are usually expected to help with homework and oral English. These informal sessions are designed to help you bond with the family, whilst gaining valuable experience to add to your resume. No teaching experience is necessary.

You will arrange your tutoring schedule directly with your host family upon arrival, choosing a time that suits both you and the child. Your hosts will provide all teaching materials.

Dates, Visa and Fees

Dates

Our Chinese Immersion Homestay Programme runs during the summer months (June, July and August), beginning on the 1st of each month. You should make sure to arrive at least 1 day prior to the beginning of the programme.

Visa

All participants must travel to China on an F category visa to take part in the homestay. Teach English In China will provide you with an invitation letter and application guidance. Please note, you are responsible for applying for and covering the cost of your visa.

Eligibility

To be considered for our Language Immersion Homestay in China, you must be a student or graduate, holding a UK, Ireland, US, New Zealand, Australia, Canada, South Africa or EU passport. You must also be available for at least 1 month during the summer.

Program Fees

Please see below our Language Immersion Homestay Programme fee in applicable currencies. Payment is made in two instalments; the first upon enrolment, and the second at least 2 months prior to departure.

Programme Duration

GBP

EUR

USD

CAD

AUD

NZD

ZAR

1 month

£750

€875

$975

$1,300

$1,400

$1,475

R 13,750

2 months

£1100

€1,235

$1,045

$1,850

$2,020

$2,125

R 20,120

3 months

£1400

€1,570

$1,790

$2,355

$2,570

$2,705

R 25,610

You will be responsible for the cost of your return flights to China, the visa application and spending money. Please ensure you are able to cover these costs before applying to the programme.